Secret to Life? Dance, and Don't Procrastinate!

Hello! Here is a VOA Learning English Feel Good for you. There is a woman named Tao Porchon-Lynch. She was born in India in 1918. So, if you do the math … she’s 97. And at 97 years young, she has been recognized as the world's oldest yoga teacher. She has been teaching yoga, full-time, since 1967. But that’s not all she’s done. She’s also been a model, actress and dancer. And she is a firm believer in positive thinking. Dream the impossible dream, kind of thinker. "I'm not interested in what I can't do. Nothing is impossible." Tao not only talks the talk, she walks the walk. Or rather dances the dance. At age 85 she not only learned how to dance, she won dance competitions. And she offers this advice to the young. “Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.” "Don't procrastinate. Tomorrow never comes."   So, what about retirement? At 97, she is well past the age when many people make retirement plans. Retiring, it turns out, is not Tao’s style.   "A little girl 6 years old said to me, 'Tao, what are you going to do when you retire?'”   Tao told the little girl that she has no plans to retire but instead will dance her way to the next planet. And that’s your Feel Good for the week! I’m Anna Matteo.   Martin Secrest wrote this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted and produced it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   procrastinate – v. to be slow or late about doing something that should be done : to delay doing something until a later time because you do not want to do it, because you are lazy, etc.  

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English @ the Movies: 'A Few Tricks Up Her Sleeve'

In the movie Spectre, British secret agent James Bond is at it again. His fancy sports car might have a few tricks up her sleeve. Listen to find out what it means.

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Trending Today: Mother of 'Affluenza Teen' Charged

  This is What's Trending Today.... U.S. officials have charged the mother of a young man known in the media as the “Affluenza teen.” Tonya Couch and her son, Ethan, allegedly fled to Mexico in November. Ethan Couch was wanted by U.S. officials for violating his probation, in connection with a drunk-driving crash that killed four people in 2013. Mexico deported the mother of the Affluenza teen on Wednesday.  She is charged with “hindering the apprehension” of her son. In other words, she is charged with helping her son flee to Mexico. If convicted, she could face between two and 10 years in jail. The word “affluenza” is a play on the words “affluent,” which means wealthy or rich, and “influenza” -- or the flu. Ethan Couch got the nickname during his trial. A defense expert said that his wealthy parents treated him too softly. He said Couch was not able to tell right from wrong, and lacks a sense of responsibility. ​The 2013 crash happened when Couch was 16 years old and drunk. He crashed into a car that was on the side of the road. He pled guilty and was sentenced to 10 years of probation. Ethan Couch missed a required meeting with his probation officer in Texas on December 10. Officials say they believe he fled in November, after a video surfaced showing him drinking at a party. That is a violation of his probation rules.   The mother and son were taken into custody Monday in Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s west coast. U.S. officials located the two when Ethan Couch used one of their phones to order pizza. It could be weeks before Ethan Couch is sent back to the United States. On Wednesday, his lawyers filed a petition to temporarily block his deportation from Mexico. The phrase “Carrot Top” trended on Twitter after Tonya Couch’s return to the U.S. Many on Twitter commented on her resemblance to Carrot Top, the American comedian.   And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Ashley Thompson. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   apprehension - n. the act of arresting someone for a crime​ affluent - adj. having a large amount of money and owning many expensive things​ influenza - n. a common illness that is caused by a virus and that causes fever, weakness, severe aches and pains, and breathing problems​ probation - n.  a situation or period of time in which a person who has committed a crime is allowed to stay out of prison if that person behaves well and does not commit another crime resemblance - n. the state of looking or being like someone or something else  

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An Introduction to Verb Tenses

For VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. Today we are going to give you a basic overview of the verb tense system in English. Verb tenses tell us how an action relates to the flow of time. There are three main verb tenses in English: present, past and future. The present, past and future tenses are divided into four aspects: the simple, progressive, perfect and perfect progressive. There are 12 major verb tenses that English learners should know. English has only two ways of forming a tense from the verb alone: the past and the present. For example, we drove and we drive. To form other verb tenses, you have to add a form of have, be or will in front of the verb. These are called helping, or auxiliary verbs. Time, culture, and grammar Verb tenses can be difficult to learn in a foreign language. Different cultures think different ways about time. Chinese, for example, has no grammatical verb tenses. Other languages, like Indonesian, express time only through adverbs — there are no changes to the verb form.   English verb tenses give many details about time and action such as: Is the action finished? How long did the action happen? Was the action repeated? Did the action happen at a known or unknown time? Is the action a habit? Is the action planned or spontaneous? It is difficult to think about time distinctions that do not exist in your own language. So, it can take many years for English learners to master verb tenses. Let’s get started. We are going to give examples of all 12 verb tenses using the verb drive. Simple Tenses We’ll start with the simple tenses. These are probably the first tenses you learned in English. Simple tenses usually refer to a single action. In general, simple tenses express facts and situations that existed in the past, exist in the present, or will exist in the future. Simple present: I drive home every day. Simple past: I drove home yesterday. Simple future: I will drive home later. Progressive (Continuous) Tenses Let’s go on to the progressive tenses. We use progressive tenses to talk about unfinished events. Progressive tenses are also called continuous tenses. Past progressive: I was driving when you called. Present progressive: I am driving now. Future progressive: I will be driving when you call. Perfect Tenses Now let’s look at the perfect tenses. Perfect tenses cause the most confusion. To put it simply, they express the idea that one event happens before another event. There are many tricky exceptions with the perfect tenses, which we will discuss in a future episode. The adverbs never, yet and already are common in perfect tenses. Present perfect: I have driven that road. Past perfect: I had already driven that road in the past.   Future perfect: I will have driven 200 miles by tomorrow. Perfect Progressive Tenses Finally, let’s look at the perfect progressive tenses. Generally, perfect progressive tenses express duration, or how long? Perfect progressive tenses usually include the adverbs for or since. Present perfect progressive: I have been driving since this morning. Past perfect progressive: I had been driving for three hours before I stopped to get gas. Future perfect progressive: I will have been driving for five hours by the time I arrive. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything yet. Here are some recommendations we have for learning verb tenses. Adverbs are your friends First, think of adverbs as your friends. Adverbs of time offer valuable clues about the correct verb tense. Let’s use the adverb ago. Ago is only used in the simple past as in, “I left home three years ago.” The adverb ago is never used in the present perfect. Certain adverbs occur with certain verb tenses. Keep it simple English learners sometimes try to impress people by using complex verb tenses. You often have a choice of several verb tenses. When you do, always choose the simplest one. It will be clearer for your listener, and there is less chance of making a mistake. Practice with questions Native speakers don’t think consciously about verb tenses. With enough practice, English learners can internalize the verb tense system, too. Instead of worrying about deep time relationships, try using adverbs and your ear to choose the right verb tense. Often when someone asks a question, you can respond in the same verb tense. We’ll ask a question in each verb tense. Give an answer in the same tense, then listen to our answer. Ready? Did you get enough sleep last night? (simple past) Yes, I slept well. Do you shower every day? (simple present) Yes, I shower every day. Are you going to study tonight? (simple future) Yes, I’m going to study tonight. What were you doing when I called you last night? (past progressive) I was eating dinner when you called me last night. What are you doing right now? (present progressive) I am practicing verb tenses right now. What will you be doing at midnight on New Year’s Eve? (future progressive) I will be celebrating the New Year with my friends. Had you ever tried skiing before today? (past perfect) Yes, I had already done it several times before. Have you ever broken the law? (present perfect) No, I have never broken the law. Will you have gotten married by the time you turn 30? (future perfect) No, I will not have gotten married by the time I turn 30. . How long had you been smoking before you quit? (past perfect progressive) I had been smoking for two years before I quit. How long have you been waiting for the bus? (present perfect progressive) a. I have been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes. How long will you have been working before you retire? (future perfect progressive) I will have been working for 30 years before I retire. This is just a basic introduction to verb tenses. In the following weeks, we will cover the more difficult verb tenses in more detail. I’m Jill Robbins. And I’m John Russell. Adam Brock wrote this story for Learning English. Jill Robbins and Kathleen Struck were the editors. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story aspect – n. the verb form that indicates completion, duration, or repetition of an action. distinction – n. a difference that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc: a noticeable difference between things or people spontaneous – adj. done or said in a natural and often sudden way and without a lot of thought or planning consciously – adv. done after thinking about facts and reasons carefully   Reference VERB TENSES past present future Simple It snowed yesterday.     Simple past verb It snows every winter.     Simple present verb It is going to snow tonight. It will snow this winter. Will / be going to + simple present Progressive It was snowing when I drove to work. Was/were + -ing verb It is snowing.   Am/is/are+-ing verb It will be snowing by the time I get home. Will be + -ing verb Perfect It had already snowed before I left.   Had + past participle verb I have driven in snow many times.   Have/has + past participle verb It will have snowed 6 inches by the end of the day. Will have + past participle verb   Perfect progressive It had been snowing for two days before it stopped.     Had been + -ing verb + for/since It has been snowing all month long.       Has/have + -ing verb + for/since It will have been snowing for three days by the time it stops.   Will have been + -ing verb + for/since  

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Luxury Skyscraper Burns in Dubai

[Editor's Note: Audio will follow shortly.] Authorities say everyone has been evacuated from a luxury hotel in Dubai that was still burning early Friday.  The city’s police chief says all residents were out of the 63-story hotel, known as The Address. The hotel had been packed with people celebrating New Year’s Eve when fire broke out at about 9:30 p.m., (about 1730 UTC). At least 14 people were injured. The hotel stands across from the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. The Burj Khalifa is more than 800 meters tall. It is the center of spectacular fireworks along the Dubai waterfront for New Year's. Fireworks went on as planned. Flames quickly moved through more than 20 stories of the hotel. It could be seen for kilometers in all directions.   Within 30 minutes, flames raced to the top of the hotel tower, and the sky was full of thick black smoke. Burning pieces of the hotel fell to the ground from the tower. Witnesses said tens of thousands of people were crowded into the downtown area near the blazing hotel and the Burj Khalifa. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said earlier Thursday that thousands of security personnel were on duty because of the New Year's events.

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December 31, 2015

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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The Ransom of Red Chief by O. Henry

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The Best New Year's Fireworks in the World

Fireworks are used to celebrate the new year around the world. Which countries have the best displays? According to Australian musician and songwriter Ash Almond, the Top 10 fireworks displays worldwide are in London, Sydney, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, New York, Berlin, Dubai, Hong Kong and Beijing:        In China, fireworks are used to drive away evil, according to the website ChineseNewYears.info. Right after midnight on New Year’s Eve, fireworks are set off. It is believed that the person who launches the first firework of the new year will have good luck.  Dubai is hosting an extravagant fireworks display from Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The event will also be live-streamed on MyDubaiNewYear.com, offering visitors the choice between three camera angles, reports the Khaleej Times.   Fireworks by Grucci will feature a spectacular display at Atlantis, the Palm Hotel and Resort in Dubai. The company plans to spell “Atlantis” in the sky with fireworks. It will use the reflections of the fireworks in the water to enhance the display. “One of their ideas is to create a shimmering red carpet, which will light up the sky as well as reflect in the water below,” wrote the Khaleej Times.     Berlin is celebrating the new year with a festive open-air party at the Brandenburg Gate. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend. There will be an international program of live music, light and laser shows, and plenty of food and drink. “The spectacular fireworks display starts at midnight on the dot,” reports the website VisitBerlin.de.       Finally, more than a million revelers are expected at Times Square in New York on New Year’s Eve. They will take part in the 109-year-old tradition of watching the iconic ball drop from atop One Times Square. The New York Times reports that the famous ball is about 4 meters in diameter, or 12-feet wide, and weighs close to 5,443 kilograms, or 12,000 pounds. It shimmers because it is covered in 2,688 Waterford crystals. At midnight, revelers will watch the sky above New York City ablaze with fireworks. Some cities will not be celebrating the new year with fireworks. Belgium cancelled its traditional fireworks display in central Brussels due to fears of the continuing terror threat. I’m Mary Gotschall.   Mary Gotschall wrote this story for VOANews.com. Kathleen Struck  was the editor. How are you celebrating New Year’s? Let us know in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   midnight – n. the middle of the night : 00:00  host – v. to entertain guests socially or as a job extravagant – adj.  very fancy spectacular – adj. causing wonder and admiration : very impressive enhance – v. to increase or improve (something) shimmer – v.  to shine with a light that seems to move slightly festive -  adj. cheerful and exciting : suited to a celebration or holiday reveler – n. a person who is celebrating with other people in usually a wild and noisy way : a person who is taking part in revelry iconic – adj. describes a widely known symbol ablaze – v. glowing with light, color, or emotion  

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Memories and Hopes Meet in New Year's Music

Welcome to This Is America with VOA Learning English. Steve Ember brings you music for the New Year.  In the United States and other countries, this old Scottish song, "Auld Lang Syne" is played when a new year begins. The song is about remembering old friends. New Year's is a holiday for memories and for hopes. The past and the future come together at midnight. Not surprisingly, emotions are as much a part of New Year's Eve as noisemakers and fireworks. After all, a traditional way to welcome the New Year is to kiss the person you love. "Old Lang Syne" lends its name to a modern song about a man and a woman who once were lovers. One day, a week before New Year's, they meet again by chance. The singer is Dan Fogelberg and the song is called "Same Old Lang Syne." On December 16, 2007, fans of Dan Fogelberg lost an old friend. The American singer and songwriter died of prostate cancer at the age of 56. He was known for the kind of soft rock popular in the 1970s and 80s. "Same Old Lang Syne" was one of the hits from his 1981 album "The Innocent Age." The idea of meeting an old lover by chance is also at the heart of a Paul Simon song. Here is the title song from Paul Simon's 1975 album "Still Crazy After All These Years." Chance meetings are one of life's little surprises. They can happen anywhere -- in a market, on the street, even in a taxicab. This song by Harry Chapin is called "Taxi." Harry Chapin was a popular folk singer and songwriter. In 1981, at the age of 38, he died in a car crash on his way to a performance. Music and emotions go hand in hand. Songs can make us feel the heartbreak of a lost love, or the excitement of finding a new love. Songs can also capture the pain of a wish that a person knows will never come true. Here is James Blunt with "You're Beautiful." The 1989 movie "When Harry Met Sally" was about a relationship.  Billy Crystal plays Harry and Meg Ryan is Sally. They meet and become friends, though not at first. Later, they fall in love, though not for very long. Then, on New Year's Eve, Harry comes to his senses and finds Sally at a party. HARRY: “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and the thing is, I love you.” SALLY: “What?” HARRY: “I love you.” SALLY: “How do you expect me to respond to this?” HARRY: “How about you love me, too?” SALLY: “How about I’m leaving?” HARRY: “Doesn’t what I said mean anything to you?” SALLY: “I’m sorry, Harry. I know it’s New Year’s Eve, I know you’re feeling lonely, but you just can’t show up here, tell me you love me, and expect that to make everything all right. It doesn’t work this way.” HARRY: “Well, how does it work?” SALLY: “I don’t know, but not this way.” HARRY: “How about this way? I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend a day with you I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. “And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” SALLY: “You see? That is just like you, Harry! You say things like that, and you make it impossible for me to hate you. And I hate you, Harry. I really hate you.” What are they doing now? Well, you can probably guess. From New Year's Day, we turn to "A New Day." That was the name of Celine Dion's music and dance show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.  It closed on December 15, 2007, after almost five years. It sold a reported 400 million dollars in tickets. The show's run ended two months before the start of a worldwide tour for a new album by the Canadian singer. But some fans came to the show again and again, so closing night was like an emotional goodbye to an old friend.                                       We leave you with Celine Dion and a song that some of you will probably sing along with. From the 1997 movie "Titanic," here is "My Heart Will Go On." Avi Arditti wrote today’s program, and Steve Ember was your reader. We hope you will join us again next week for This Is America, on the radio or online at learningenglish.voanews.com. Wishing you a happy New Year from all of us at VOA Learning English.          

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Carrie Fisher of Star Wars Responds to Criticism on Twitter

This is What’s Trending Today… American actress Carrie Fisher is most famous for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies. During the 1970s and 1980s, she starred in the films alongside actors Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill. This year, the three reunited for Stars Wars: The Force Awakens. Fans of the films eagerly awaited the trio’s return to the big screen. Fans and movie critics have applauded the latest Star Wars film. But on social media, a major topic has been Carrie Fisher’s physical appearance in the film. Fisher was only 21 when the first Star Wars movie was released in 1977. She is now 59 years old. On Twitter, some fans criticized her appearance in the latest movie, and said the star had not “aged well.” On Tuesday, Fisher responded to the criticism. She tweeted: “Please stop debating about whether or not I aged well. Unfortunately it hurts all 3 of my feelings. My body hasn’t aged well as I have…” She also retweeted a message from a supporter that read: “Men don’t age better than women, they’re just allowed to age.” Fisher’s own response to the criticism has been retweeted more than 38,000 times. Fisher speaks often about the difficulties of aging in Hollywood. In an interview this year with a British magazine, she said,  “I'm in a business where the only thing that matters is weight and appearance. That is so messed up.” Supporters have appreciated Fisher’s honesty in recent interviews and on Twitter. Twitter user JCKNN wrote: “Every interview I've seen with Carrie Fisher for The Force Awakens has been pure gold. She's just the best.” ​ And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Jonathan Evans. Ashley Thompson wrote this report. Hai Do was the editor.  _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story    eagerly - adv. in a very excited and interested way pure gold - (idiom). excellent, exceptional

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December 30, 2015

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Bill Cosby Charged With Sexual Assault

[Editor's Note: The audio will follow shortly, thank you.]   Prosecutors in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania have brought criminal charges against celebrity Bill Cosby. The American comedian is charged with sexually assaulting a woman in 2004. The case deals with a former Temple University employee who told police that Cosby drugged and violated her at his home near Philadelphia.    It marks the first criminal case involving Cosby, after many years of accusations. If he is found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. An arrest warrant for the 78-year-old Cosby has been issued. More than 50 women have accused Cosby of drugging them and, in most cases, sexually assaulting them. Cosby has long denied the accusations. Many of the incidents happened several decades ago, and the statute of limitations has already passed. A statute of limitations is a law that prevents a suspect from being tried after a certain amount of time has passed. The statute of limitations in the Pennsylvania case was to expire in January 2016. Bill Cosby is best known for playing Dr. Cliff Huxtable, the father in the long-running American television program, “The Cosby Show.” The charges have shocked Cosby's fans and damaged his reputation as an entertainer. Ashley Thompson adapted this story from Reuters materials and VOANews.com reports. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   violate - v. (formal) to sexually assault or rape accusation - n. a claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal warrant - n. a document issued by a court that gives the police the power to do something statute of limitations - n. a law that states the amount of time that must pass before a crime can no longer be punished or a right can no longer be given   ​

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What's Trending? #HoverboardFails

  Hoverboards were among the most popular Christmas gifts of 2015. They may have also been most dangerous gifts of 2015. A true hoverboard looks like a skateboard without wheels. To “hover” means to float in the air without moving much in any direction. The popularity of hoverboards began in the 1980s, with the “Back to the Future” movies. Characters in the second and third films used hoverboards as transportation. This year’s popular hoverboards, however, do not actually hover. They have wheels. And, as it turns out, they are not easy to use. Adults and children around the world suffered hoverboard-related injuries over the weekend. Many posted pictures of the damage on social media. As a result, the hashtag #hoverboardfails trended on Twitter. Twitter user David Douglas posted a photo of both him and a young girl with casts for the broken arms they suffered on Christmas Day. And Twitter user Erin Rafferty tweeted a video of her mother falling off a hoverboard, with the caption, “Who let mom on the hoverboard?” Falling is not the only risk with some hoverboards. They are also a fire risk. At one store in Texas, an employee tried to fix a defective hoverboard a customer brought in. The hoverboard then caught fire. Studies suggest that some hoverboard brands have faulty batteries or plugs. Many major airlines worldwide have banned hoverboards because of the fire risk. But some passengers did not hear the news. Australian actor Russell Crowe tweeted on Monday about his disappointment that Virgin Australia Airlines did not permit his children to take their hoverboards on the plane. Major retailers are also taking steps to improve the safety of the hoverboards they sell. Amazon in the United States now only sells hoverboards from brands that have submitted safety standard documents. The UK’s Amazon no longer sells actual hoverboards. It has also advised customers who bought unsafe brands of hoverboards to throw them away. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Ashley Thompson. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   skateboard - n. a short board that is on wheels and that a person stands on to move along a surface or to perform tricks cast - n. a hard covering that is put on an arm, leg, etc., so that a broken bone can heal defective - adj. having a problem or fault that prevents something from working correctly submit - v. to give (a document, proposal, piece of writing, etc.) to someone so that it can be considered or approved  

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Many Americans Believe Terrorists Are Winning

A new public opinion survey shows many Americans are not satisfied with the government’s efforts to fight terrorism. Forty percent of those asked said they believe terrorists are winning their fight against the United States. The study by CNN and the Opinion Research Corporation was released on Monday, weeks after deadly terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California. Almost three-quarters of those asked criticized efforts by the administration of President Barack Obama to fight terrorists. In 2007, 61 percent of those asked were critical of the anti-terror efforts of then-President George W. Bush. Obama is a Democrat. Bush is a Republican. The survey showed 55 percent of members of the Republican party believe Islamist militants are winning. Fifty-two percent of Democrats believe neither side is winning. Almost 60 percent of Democrats asked said they were not happy with Obama’s efforts. Seventy-nine percent of independents and 86 percent of Republicans said they were unhappy with the president’s anti-terrorism activities. ORC spoke to 1,018 adult Americans in the middle of December. Almost all of them were registered voters. Forty-nine percent of those asked said they support sending American troops to fight Islamic State militants who now control large parts of Syria and northern and western Iraq. In the days after the attack in San Bernardino, a similar study showed 53 percent support for sending ground troops to fight the terrorists. Americans disagree about what to call the strikes. Fifty-seven percent said the country is involved in a “military conflict.” Forty percent said it should be called a “war.” This level of disagreement is almost exactly the same as in September 2014. Several recent public opinion polls have shown that Americans are more worried about security than the economy. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOANews.com reported this story. We also used reporting by CNN. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it into VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   registered – adj. having your name entered in an official list, such as a list of voters poll – n. an activity in which several or many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to get information about what most people think about something We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

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Deadly Bombings in Homs, Syria

Up to 32 people were killed in two bomb attacks Monday in the Syrian city of Homs, near the border with Lebanon. The second attack killed people who gathered to see the damage of an earlier car bomb. A suicide bomber entered the crowd and exploded a bomb hidden in clothing. The attacks took place in the al-Zahraa district, in the central part of the city. State-controlled media say 19 people were killed in the two bombings. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says 32 people were killed. Many others were hurt. It was the second major attack in Homs since the government and rebel forces reached a cease-fire agreement this month. The government will take back areas of the city controlled by rebels. On December 12, two bombings killed at least 16 people. Those attacks also took place in the al-Zahraa district. The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attacks. The Wall Street Journal newspaper reports that many people who live in the neighborhood are members of the Alawite sect. President Bashar al-Assad and top members of his government belong to the sect. The newspaper reports the area is often “attacked by anti-government rebels armed with rockets and vehicle bombs.” Separately, rebels and others began leaving three Syrian towns this week under a humanitarian agreement reached in September. The agreement between the government of President Bashar al-Assad and the rebels who oppose him is supported by the United Nations. On Monday, more than 120 rebels, and others who are hurt, began leaving the town of Zabadani. It is the last area rebels control in Syria near the border with Lebanon. The Syrian Observatory said they were being moved to areas in Syria controlled by opponents of the government. Also on Monday, a group of 335 people, including civilians, moved from two government-controlled villages in northwestern Syria to other government-held areas. UN voted on Syrian peace plan On December 18, all members of the U.N. Security Council voted to approve a plan for peace in Syria. It was a rare unanimous vote. Staffan de Mistura is the U.N. peace negotiator for Syria. Saturday, he said he hoped to begin peace talks January 25. He said the talks would include members of the different Syrian opposition groups and others. He said the talks would require the “full cooperation” of all those involved in the conflict if they are to succeed. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and others have said ending the civil war in Syria is the most important step in defeating the Islamic State group and bringing stability to the area. More than 250,000 people have died in the Syrian conflict since it began in 2011. More than 4 million people have fled the country. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOANews.com reported this story. We also used reporting from The Wall Street Journal, Al Jazeera and Reuters. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   sect – n. a religious group that is a smaller part of a larger group and whose members all share similar beliefs; also, a religious or political group that is connected to a larger group but that has beliefs that differ greatly from those of the main group unanimous – adj. agreed to by everyone We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

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December 29, 2015

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Study: British Have Better Teeth Than Americans

Many Americans believe Britons have bad teeth. But a new study shows Americans actually have more dental problems. The study was published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers from University College London, the National University of Colombia and the Harvard School of Public Health found that among people 25 and older, Americans are missing more teeth. The researchers also found that poor people in the United States had worse teeth than poor people in Britain. People in Britain receive dental care through the National Health Service, which is funded by taxpayers. In the United States, people either pay for their dental care or buy dental insurance. Many poor people in the United States do not have dental insurance and cannot afford dental care. In 2004, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development found that Britain had the lowest number of people with decayed, missing or filled teeth from among all of its 34 member states. The United States was in the middle of the rankings. I’m Anne Ball.  VOANews.com reported this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it into VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fund – v. to provide money for (something) afford – v. to be able to pay for (something) decay – v. to be slowly destroyed by natural processes; to rot filling – n. material that is used to fill something rankings – n. a list of people or things that are ordered according to their quality, ability, size, etc.

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Geneva Tries to Regain World’s 'Peace Capital' Title

The Swiss city of Geneva is planning activities to regain the title of “peace capital” of the world. Geneva is home to the United Nations European headquarters. Many peace negotiations have taken place in the city. The United States and the Soviet Union met there to talk about controlling nuclear weapons. Other talks included ways to end wars in Afghanistan and Lebanon. ​Other talks in Geneva included Balkan nations that were at war. Talks to end those wars took place in Geneva throughout the 1990s. They were led by the United Nations. Michael Moller leads the UN office in Geneva. He said he believes his agency, and the city of Geneva, will act as a center for peace in 2016. He says talks to end the fighting in Yemen will begin January 14. And he says Syrian peace negotiations will begin later that month. Staffan de Mistura is the UN representative to the Syrian peace talks. He is meeting with people who will take part in the talks. Moller says, “Everybody, almost everybody, wants these talks to be successful so that we can finally get a political solution to this really unacceptable problem.” ​The United Nations led two Syrian peace negotiations in 2014. Both failed. Last week, the UN Security Council approved a plan for the talks to start again. Moller says Geneva is a center for conflict resolution because of its reputation as a neutral place. People can focus on what he called the “business of peace.” Moller notes that there were 10,000 meetings and conferences led by the United Nations this year at its European headquarters in Geneva and in Switzerland. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise. Correspondent Lisa Schlein reported this story from Geneva. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it into VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   reputation – n. the common opinion that people have about someone or something; the way in which people think of someone or something neutral – adj. not supporting either side of an argument, fight, war, etc. focus on – v. to direct your attention or effort at something specific We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page.    

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Rouhani Calls On Muslims to Fix Islam’s Image

Muslims must work to improve the world’s opinion of Islam, said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday. Rouhani made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran. He said Muslims “must remove Islam’s negative image from today’s cyber and real space.” The comments were made about conflict in Syria, Iraq and Yemen that divide Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims. Rouhani said Muslims are “being silent in the face of all the killings and bloodshed” in those countries. Rouhani also criticized nations that bought American weapons and fired them at fellow Muslims. The conference’s speech was carried on Iranian state television. During Rouhani’s speech, he denied that his country wants to form a “Shi’ite crescent” in the Mideast. Such a Shi’ite region would dominate the Middle East from Lebanon through Syria and Iraq. Tensions between Sunnis and Shi’ites -– mostly between Saudi Arabia and Iraq -- have divided the Islamic community in the Middle East for years. Rouhani’s most recent comments call for Muslims to unite and smooth over differences. “There is neither a Shi’ite nor a Sunni crescent. We have an Islamic moon,” the Iranian president said. “We, Muslims, are in a world where we must be united.” The staff at VOA news wrote this story for VOAnews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. What do you think of Iranian President Rouhani’s comments? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   crescent – n. a shape that is curved, wide at its center, and pointed at its two ends like a crescent moon dominate -- v. to control or rule

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Iraqi Forces Secure Ramadi After Ousting IS

Iraqi military officials said they took back the city of Ramadi from Islamic State militants. On Monday, Iraqi forces raised the national flag over the city’s main government office. They swept the streets, searching for explosives and booby traps. The IS fighters could have put these in place before being ousted from the city. IS militants had captured this capital of Anbar province in May. Iraqi forces said small groups of jihadists may remain. But officials said troops have not faced resistance since jihadists fled Sunday. There have been no reliable reports of how many people were killed or wounded. It is not clear how many civilians remain in central Ramadi. It is 115 kilometers, or 70 miles west of Baghdad. An Iraqi spokesman said most residents had taken shelter at a nearby hospital. The Iraqi military prepared for months to take back Ramadi. They were backed by U.S.–led coalition air strikes. The Iraqi forces pushed into the center of Ramadi last week in an effort to secure the city. The U.S. military said it carried out at least 29 air strikes on IS targets in the past week. More targets were hit Sunday. Officials said air strikes Saturday targeted vehicles operated by IS fighters and a factory used to make suicide bombs for use on vehicles. Sniper positions were also hit. I’m Mary Gotschall.     Mary Gotschall adapted this story for Learning English from VOA News. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you have an opinion about this topic? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   explosive – n. a substance (such as dynamite) that is used to cause an explosion : an explosive substance booby trap – noun phrase a hidden bomb that explodes when the object connected to it is touched, moved, etc. jihadist – n. someone engaged in a war fought by Muslims to defend or spread their beliefs coalition – n. a group of people, groups, or countries who have joined together for a common purpose airstrike – n. an attack in which military airplanes drop bombs suicide – n.  the act of killing yourself because you do not want to continue living sniper – n. a person who shoots at another person from a hidden place

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Japan, South Korea Settle 'Comfort Women'

Japan and South Korea reached an agreement over the issue of “comfort women” in Seoul Monday. “Comfort women” were Korean women forced to work as prostitutes in military brothels during World War II. Japan brutally occupied the Korean peninsula and other parts of Asia.  Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korea’s Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se reached the agreement. It calls for the "comfort women" to be awarded money for mistreatment. Japan will pay over $8 million to support living "comfort women." The money will go into a South Korean fund to assist the elderly women. In return, the Japanese government also wants South Korea to remove a statue of a young "comfort woman" that sits in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul. "Comfort women" supporters held protests at the site each week. Japan will also officially apologize to the women. Over 200,000 women from the Pacific region were forced to become sex slaves during World War II. A total of 238 former "comfort women" came forward during the last 20 years in South Korea, according to the New York Times. The newspaper’s count also revealed that only 46 of the Korean "comfort women" are still living. “The 'comfort women' issue is an issue whereby many women under the then-military’s involvement, bore deep scars to their honor and dignity,” Kishida said. “From this perspective, the Japanese government feels responsible.” A statement released by both countries during Monday’s news conference included a message from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Japanese prime minister expressed “his most sincere apologies and remorse to all the women who underwent painful experiences as 'comfort women.' ” Brian Padden wrote this story for VOAnews.com. Youmi Kim in Seoul contributed to this report. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   prostitute – n. a person who has sex with someone in exchange for money brothel – n. a building in which prostitutes are available dignity – n. the quality of being worthy of honor or respect yen – n.  the basic unit of money of Japan  

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Dozens Feared Dead in Another Myanmar Landslide

Dozens of people are missing and feared dead after a landslide in northern Myanmar. The accident took place Friday in Hpakant, Kachin state. It is the center of Myanmar’s jade mining industry. At least 100 people died in a similar disaster there last month. Rescue workers are searching for bodies. Officials have not said how many people died or were injured. Hpakant is about 950 kilometers northeast of Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city. It is home to some of the world’s highest-quality jade. Global Witness is a nonprofit organization that exposes the misuse of revenue from natural resources. It said Myanmar’s jade production was worth about $31 billion in 2014. But it says the local population sees little benefit.  Most of the mining is done by large industrial firms. Locals can only hunt through the rubble searching for pieces of jade that were overlooked. I’m Mary Gotschall.      Mary Gotschall adapted this story for Learning English from VOA News. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you have an opinion about this topic? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   landslide – n. a large mass of rocks and earth that suddenly and quickly moves down the side of a mountain or hill jade – n.  a usually green stone that is used for jewelry kilometer – n.  a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters misuse – n.  to use (something) incorrectly revenue – n. money that is made by or paid to a business or an organization rubble – n.  broken pieces of stone, brick, etc., from walls or buildings that have fallen overlook – v.  to fail to see or notice (something)

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December 28, 2015

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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New Device Shows Human Body As Never Seen Before

Scientists are developing a medical device that could tell them more about the human body, and help them develop more-effective treatments for cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. It would be the world’s first full-body PET scanner. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. PET scanners create 3-D images of what is happening in the body. Researchers are calling the large scanner that they are developing Explorer. It will give medical workers images of what is happening in the entire human body that have never been seen before. PET scanners now give doctors images of only parts of the body. The U.S. National Institutes of Health gave a research team at the University of California at Davis $15.5 million to build the scanner. Ramsey Badawi is a professor of radiology at UC Davis. He says the scanner will give researchers new information about how human organs work together. “We’re a system of organs and all the organs interact with each other. And we’ve never really been able to interrogate that with imaging before, and now we’re going to be able to look at that.” X-rays and MRIs give images of bones and organs. PET scans show doctors how organs and tissues are working on a molecular level. These images help them identify and follow diseases. The new scanner will help them do that even better. Simon Cherry is a professor of biomedical engineering at UC Davis. He says the PET scans can show the progress of both disease and medical treatments. “With PET scans we’re looking at function. We’re actually able to say something about what the cells in the body are doing -- how actively they’re metabolizing, for example, or how quickly they’re dividing. Taking a cancer example, that could be tremendously powerful to see if, when you give a drug, whether that shuts down the metabolism of the tumor.” PET scans use a radioactive substance to find tumors. Professor Cherry says the Explorer uses a much lower amount of radiation than current PET tests, and creates images more quickly. “So we can do scans in maybe 30 seconds that currently take 20 minutes. Or we can drop the radiation dose significantly, and do scans at a fraction of the radiation dose that we currently do them at.” A complete view could help researchers develop new medicines that target diseases and parts of the body. It could help doctors reduce harmful side effects by following the movement of medicines through the body.  The researchers hope to test the Explorer with humans in three years. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   Deborah Block reported this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for Learning English. Jill Robbins was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   device – n. an object, machine or piece of equipment that has been made for some special purpose scanner – n. a medical device that is used to see inside something entire – adj. complete or full; not lacking or leaving out any part interact – v. to act together; to come together and have an effect on each other (often + with) interrogate – v. to ask questions or research X-ray – n. an image that is created by using X-rays and that is usually used for medical purposes MRI – n. magnetic resonance imaging organs – n. a part of the body (such as the heart or liver) that has a particular function tissue – n. the material that forms the parts in a plant or animal function – v. to work or operate molecular – adj. relating to the smallest possible amount of a particular substance that has all the characteristics of that substance metabolize – v. to change (food) into a form that can be used by the body; to process and use (substances brought into the body) by metabolism shut down – expression to stop the operation of something, especially when a special process is required radioactive – adj. having or producing a powerful and dangerous form of energy (called radiation) substance – n. a material of a particular kind tumor – n. a mass of tissue found in or on the body that is made up of abnormal cells dose – n. the amount of a medicine, drug or vitamin that is taken at one time fraction – n. a (usually small) part or amount of something side effect – n. an often harmful and unwanted effect of a drug or chemical that occurs along with the desired effect  

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China's Relaxed One-Child Rule to Help Fertility Industry

China’s fertility industry could benefit now that the Chinese government has relaxed its one-child policy. China eased the country’s one-child per couple policy at the end of October. All married couples are permitted to have two children. The world’s fertility clinics should see an increase in business. Couples face problems when trying to conceive through clinics in China. Some couples prefer to select the gender of their child. The government does not permit gender selection, or advanced fertility methods. Middle-class Chinese couples travel to Australia, Thailand or the United States for fertility treatments. These foreign markets could benefit from an increased demand for fertility services. A fertility clinic in Thailand told VOA that the number of Chinese patients has nearly doubled in the past three years. The same clinic changed its business procedures to attract Chinese clients. The clinic hired a Mandarin-speaking staff and printed its documents in Mandarin. Sue Channon works for a fertility clinic in Sydney. She says, “there has certainly been an increase in inquiries from Chinese consumers. We have a very strong reputation in Australia for delivering very high quality and safe fertility services. Many of our doctors and staff in Australia speak Mandarin.” China’s one-child policy was lifted this year after being implemented 35 years ago. The country reached 1 billion people in 1982. Today, China has nearly 1.3 billion people. I'm Jonathan Evans.   Shannon Van Sant reported this story for VOA News from Hong Kong. Jim Dresbach adapted her story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   clinic – n. a place where people get medical help

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Political Idioms: What Did He Say?

  Republican presidential candidates debated in Las Vegas, Nevada for the final time this year. During debates -- and when they speak to reporters, supporters, aides and others -- candidates often use interesting words, phrases and expressions. In most cases, only speakers of American English can understand what these “idioms” mean. Idioms are “expressions that have a different meaning from the meaning of the individual words that make up the idiom.” American political idioms can be confusing to speakers of other languages. They can even be confusing to Americans who are not familiar with the ways political candidates speak! Today, we present more of these idiomatic expressions and their meanings. You may find it useful to keep this list to refer to as you read reports about the presidential campaign. Many of the definitions in this report came from LearnersDictionary.com What does he bring to the table? – what qualities does she have that will benefit the situation or us? How can he help us? A reporter may want to know about a candidate’s experience or education and may ask, “What do you bring to the table?” A coach tells a reporter that he believes his current team could be the best he has ever had. He says of the players: “What they bring to the table that makes us such a good team is that they have no ego. What they bring to the table that makes us such a high scoring team is…” Take options off the table – to remove issues from a negotiation that were at one time being considered. For example, a broadcaster reported that Congress was taking some Social Security payment “options off the table.” He’s only got one shot – having only one chance to achieve a goal. A local official considering a plan to improve roads might say: “This is a big project, and we’ve only got one shot to get it right.” Go the distance – to carry through a course of action to completion; to continue to do something until it is successfully completed; to do the whole amount; to play the entire game; to run the race until the end. Political reporters often ask if a candidate has enough money, energy and support to finish a campaign: “Can she go the distance or will she run out of money halfway through?” In the mix – included as part of a group; being considered. A newspaper headline wondered if a local team was “in the mix” for a championship. Gain traction – the support or interest that is needed for something to succeed or make progress. When a bill fails to gain traction in the Senate, it does not pass. Political expediency – often negative providing an easy and quick way to solve a problem or do something. A candidate might ask his opponent to do the right thing, not the politically expedient thing. Stack the deck – to arrange things against someone or something; to arrange things secretly for a desired outcome; to arrange something in a way that is not fair in order to achieve what you want; to arrange something so that it is unfair to someone. Some candidates complain that the way a debate is designed hurts them. They may complain that the debate organizers have “stacked the deck” against them.  Stand your ground – to not change your position when you are being attacked; to not retreat. For example, “The candidate has continued to stand her ground despite criticism” of her plan. Unilateral action – involving only one group or country. “If no other country joins us, we will act unilaterally to defend our interests.” Have you been hearing or reading idioms and expressions in stories about the American presidential campaign that you don’t understand? Let us know. We’ll explain them in future reports. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   Christopher Jones-Cruise reported this story and wrote it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Have you heard expressions from American political candidates or reporters that you don’t understand? Write them in the Comments section or on our Facebook page and we will tell you what they mean. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   confusing - adj. difficult to understand refer to - phrasal verb to look at or in (something) for information benefit - v. be useful or helpful to someone or something negative - adj. harmful or bad; not wanted; not positive expedient - adj. an easy and quick way to solve a problem; often used negatively achieve - v. to be successful; to get something by working hard for it

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Vietnam, EU Trade Deal Talks Look Hopeful

Vietnamese could buy Italian machinery and Austrians could wear more athletic shoes from Vietnam.   That is because Vietnam is moving closer to reaching a trade deal with the European Union. Negotiations ended December 2. For Vietnam, the agreement would diversify its trade with nations other than China and the U.S. For Europe, it would increase trade in Asia when attention has centered on the huge, U.S.-supported Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). EU officials have praised the Vietnam deal. They say it removes 99 percent of tariffs. The deal would be the EU’s first with a developing country. It also could serve as a model for future free trade agreements. Simon van der Burg is the Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. He told the European Chamber of Commerce that the deal, “Sets the reference for others in Southeast Asia. The proposed agreement requires communist Vietnam to reform state-run companies and strengthen environmental protection. It also links commerce with development aid. EU trade negotiator Jana Herceg said Vietnam would receive support to increase technology that preserves the environment. Support also would be aimed at the energy, health care and tourism industries. She said, “The money or the funds which we are giving to Vietnam are broader than just the capacity building related to the free trade agreement.” Economist Dennis McCornac at Loyola University in Maryland questions if the agreement is good for Vietnam. He says the European agreement is less centered on business compared with the 12-nation TPP trade deal. He criticized the TPP as written by corporate supporters. But both agreements are expected to increase the cost of medicine in developing countries. This is because of stronger rules for patents that will prevent copying. It will extend market rights to makers of some medicines. “It really is the case that it’s going to hurt the poor people, those who can’t afford the drugs,” McCornac said. The European Union has tried to reach a single trade agreement with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. But those efforts failed. The EU then changed is strategy, and is negotiating deals with individual governments. Singapore was the first to reach an agreement, followed by Vietnam. Jana Herceg said if the Vietnam deal is finalized, it could set an example and speed up talks with other parties. These could include the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. Herceg predicts the EU-Vietnam agreement will be published by January. Vietnam has been seeking deals with many nations. including South Korea and Israel. I’m Mario Ritter.   Lien Hoang reported on this story from Ho Chi Minh City. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   diversify –v. to add different kinds of people or things commerce –n. activities related to buying and selling goods reference –n a source that can be looked to for information about something patents –n. official permission giving a person or company the right to be the only one to make or sell a product

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Why Do Americans Color But the British Colour? Thank Noah Webster

Some people collect stamps. Others collect coins. Noah Webster, Jr. collected words. He did not save just the words, of course, but also their meanings and spellings. His collection became the basis of today’s American English. Who was Noah Webster? Webster was born October 16, 1758, on a farm in West Hartford, Connecticut. His family came from the early European colonists of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Webster was interested in language even as a child. He learned to read before he started school. Most children at the time stopped their education after only a few years. But Webster continued his. He attended college at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.   During the four years Webster studied at Yale, the American colonies separated from Britain in the Revolutionary War. People at the time argued about the language of the newly independent states. Should it be English or German? After all, 10 percent of the population spoke German. Others said Hebrew should be the common language. Many schools taught Hebrew so students could read the original Judeo-Christian Bible. Webster thought the language of the American states should be English. But not British English. American English. The only problem was that such a language did not yet formally exist. People in different American states used different words, different spellings and different pronunciations.  The American Spelling Book By this time, Webster was a teacher. Most schools taught Latin, and students wrote or made oral presentations in Latin. But Webster argued that it was more practical for “merchants, mechanics, planters, etc.” to know their own language well. If they learned another language, he said, it should be a living language such as French, Italian, Spanish or German.   Webster believed improving children’s education could help build a stronger nation. In an essay, Webster wrote that Americans should study other countries’ histories and governments. That way, Americans could avoid mistakes, advance the sciences, and “add dignity” to the United States and human nature. Young Americans should also learn to use a standard and pure language, Webster said. So he decided to write a series of textbooks: a speller, a reader and a grammar. Webster published the first book, which came to be called the Blue-Backed Speller, in 1783. Webster worked hard to promote the book. He invented the modern book tour. He traveled around the country, bringing books to his public speeches. The speller immediately became a best seller. Soon it was used in schools in every state. In 1787 Webster changed the book’s name to The American Spelling Book. An important part of the method Webster taught for spelling was to divide a word into its sounds, or syllables. Thomas Dilworth’s British spelling books said that people should pronounce “ti” before a vowel as a separate syllable. That rule made them say nation as “na-ti-on” and motion as “mo-ti-on.” Webster thought the correct pronunciation was “na-tion” and “mo-tion.” Webster also thought some British spellings did not make sense. He preferred variations that some Americans were already using. So in his works, he changed musick to music and plough to plow. Some of the changes he suggested did not stay – such as changing tongue to tung and women to wimmen. But many others remained. American writer H. L. Mencken wrote in the early 20th century, “The influence of his Speller was really stupendous. It … maintained its authority for nearly a century.” In the 100 years after the Blue-Backed Speller came out, the only book to sell more copies in the U.S. was the Bible. Webster’s speller helped unify the written language of the United States.   The American Dictionary of the English Language Webster used the money he was able to earn from his speller to begin another project: a dictionary. He believed Americans needed a dictionary that reflected their own geography, political system and history. His first version, published in 1806, included about 40,000 words. His second, called the American Dictionary of the English Language, included 70,000 words. To create it, Webster learned at least the basics of over 20 languages. He also defined words that were new to American English. Many were borrowed from Native American languages, such as “skunk” and “squash.” He also gave the pronunciation of words as Americans said them. One of his definitions showed how proud Webster was of his country. He included a quote from its first leader, George Washington. After the word “American,” Webster wrote: “A native of America; originally applied to the aboriginals, or copper-colored races, found here by the Europeans; but now applied to the descendants of Europeans born in America. ‘The name American must always exalt the pride of patriotism.’ Washington.” Webster’s dictionary came to be a symbol of the country’s new national identity. The website ConnecticutHistory.org points out that Webster’s efforts also marked the last time one person created a major dictionary alone. A few years after Noah Webster died, at the age of 86, two brothers gained the rights to the American Dictionary. George and Charles Merriam owned a printing and bookselling business. They were able to make, update and sell the dictionary at a less expensive price than the Webster family had. The reference book became increasingly popular in schools and homes across the U.S. Like Webster’s speller, Webster’s dictionary became the authority on American English – not just in the 19th century, but today. For example, if you are reading this article on a computer, point the mouse to any word in the story. You will see a definition from – you guessed it – Merriam-Webster.       I’m Jill Robbins. Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. __________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   standard – adj. regularly and widely used, seen, or accepted; not unusual or special pure – adj. not mixed with anything else syllable – n. any one of the parts into which a word is naturally divided when it is pronounced variations – n. something that is similar to something else but different in some way stupendous – adj. so large or great that it amazes you version – n. a form of something (such as a product) that is different in some way from other forms skunk – n. a small black-and-white North American animal that produces a very strong and unpleasant smell when it is frightened or in danger aboriginals – n.  the original people to live in an area exalt – v. to raise (someone or something) to a higher level In the quiz to the left, we have a fun spelling test for you. See if you can guess the correct spellings from Noah Webster's day. Now it's your turn. What are some American words and spellings that have surprised you? Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page.  

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English in a Minute: In Over My Head

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What Is Your Achilles' Heel?

Hello! And welcome to Words and Their Stories, a VOA Learning English program about American expressions.  The Greek poet Homer has given us many phrases. A famous one is “Achilles’ heel.” On your body, your Achilles’ heel is the tendon on the back of your ankle. In spoken English, your Achilles’ heel is your weak spot. You can say either “Achilles’ heel” or “Achilles’(s) heel.” Both are correct. The Greek story of Achilles’ heel is the one Homer tells in the long poem called “The Iliad.” Here is how the story goes. When Achilles was a baby his mother bathed him in the river Styx. She believed the river had magical powers. Bathing her son in its waters, she thought, would make Achilles immortal, deathless, like a god. But one part of his body did not get wet: his heel, where his mother held him. His heel, therefore, was the one spot where Achilles could be hurt. Achilles grew up. He became a great warrior. During the Trojan War, he fought with the Greek army. None of the Trojan weapons was able to hurt Achilles. The god Apollo, however, knew of Achilles’ weak spot. Apollo told the prince of Troy, named Paris, all about it. While not actually written in “The Iliad,” legend says Paris shot an arrow at Achilles’ heel and killed him. We all have an Achilles’ heel. Even the toughest among us has a weak spot. This weakness may change as we get older. For many young people their ego, or over-confidence, could be their Achilles’ heel. For others perhaps greed is their Achilles’ heel. If I am trying to lose weight but love to eat ice cream, you could say that my love of ice cream is my Achilles’ heel. And for many people, love is their Achilles’ heel. Love leaves us helpless. Love makes us weak. People in love may find themselves doing foolish things. They may open themselves up to hurt or embarrassment. And a person who is head over heels in love is really in a weak position. This phrase, however, does not come from Greek literature. It was first used in the 14th century to mean turning a cartwheel or somersault. Today, head over heels means something that is not in its natural state or something that is felt very deeply or strongly. It is usually used to describe someone who has fallen – possibly foolishly – in love. Head over heels gives a clear picture of one who has fallen deeply and passionately in love. Close your eyes and picture what a person may look like if he or she is spinning like a wheel, turning over and over. That is heads over heels. Let’s hear this expression used in an example: Hey, have you noticed something different about John recently? What do you mean? Well, he is usually such a good student. But lately he never has his assignments done. And he seems unable to focus in class.    Well, you know he has a new girlfriend. And he is head over heels in love with her. Oh. That explains why he has been acting so strange lately. Perhaps being head over heels in love has never been your Achilles’ heel, but you can probably imagine how powerful the feeling is. Like in this song by Tears for Fears, something just happens and you are head over heels. Something happens and I’m head over heels, I never find out (un)till I’m head over heels … I’m Anna Matteo.   What is your Achilles’ heel? Let us know in the Comments section. Anna Matteo wrote this for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.  

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Wealthy Britons Get Rich Faster Than the Poor

The British government reports that the country’s richest people are increasing their wealth three times as fast as the poorest. The report is adding to worries about inequality in Britain. The Office of National Statistics says the wealth of the richest 10 percent of British households increased by 21 percent between 2012 and 2014. It says much of the increase came from a rise in private retirement payments, called pensions. The wealth of the lowest half of all households increased by just seven percent during the same time. The report said the country’s total household wealth increased 18 percent to $16.6 trillion. The richest 10 percent of households control about 45 percent of all of the country’s wealth. The poorest 10 percent control less than one percent. The Conservative Party of Prime Minister David Cameron notes that the country has record levels of employment. And it says Britain’s economic growth is the fastest among developed economies. It says that shows living standards are improving across the country. But opposition parties say the country’s poorest people are suffering from the government’s plan to end the deficit by making large cuts to social welfare programs. I’m Caty Weaver.    Reuters reported this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   household – n. the people in a family or other group who are living together in one house living standards – n. the amount of wealth, comfort, and possessions that a person or group has social welfare – expression government programs for poor or unemployed people that help pay for their food, housing, medical costs, etc.  

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The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

Editor's Note: We are pleased to share a traditional holiday story with you, The Gift of the Magi. You can read along and listen or watch the video.    One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it in the smallest pieces of money - pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by negotiating with the men at the market who sold vegetables and meat. Negotiating until one's face burned with the silent knowledge of being poor. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas. There was clearly nothing to do but sit down and cry. So Della cried. Which led to the thought that life is made up of little cries and smiles, with more little cries than smiles. Della finished her crying and dried her face. She stood by the window and looked out unhappily at a gray cat walking along a gray fence in a gray back yard. Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only one dollar and eighty-seven cents to buy her husband Jim a gift. She had been saving every penny she could for months, with this result. Jim earned twenty dollars a week, which does not go far. Expenses had been greater than she had expected. They always are. Many a happy hour she had spent planning to buy something nice for him. Something fine and rare -- something close to being worthy of the honor of belonging to Jim. There was a tall glass mirror between the windows of the room. Suddenly Della turned from the window and stood before the glass mirror and looked at herself. Her eyes were shining, but her face had lost its color within twenty seconds. Quickly she pulled down her hair and let it fall to its full length. Now, Mr. and Mrs. James Dillingham Young had two possessions which they valued. One was Jim's gold time piece, the watch that had been his father's and his grandfather's. The other was Della's hair. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in their building, Della would have let her hair hang out the window to dry just to reduce the value of the queen's jewels. So now Della's beautiful hair fell about her, shining like a brown waterfall. It reached below her knees and made itself almost like a covering for her. And then quickly she put it up again. She stood still while a few tears fell on the floor. She put on her coat and her old brown hat. With a quick motion and brightness still in her eyes, she danced out the door and down the street. Where she stopped the sign read: "Madame Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds." Della ran up the steps to the shop, out of breath. "Will you buy my hair?" asked Della. "I buy hair," said Madame. "Take your hat off and let us have a look at it." Down came the beautiful brown waterfall of hair. "Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the hair with an experienced hand. "Give it to me quick," said Della. The next two hours went by as if they had wings. Della looked in all the stores to choose a gift for Jim. She found it at last. It surely had been made for Jim and no one else. It was a chain -- simple round rings of silver. It was perfect for Jim's gold watch. As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be for him. It was like him. Quiet and with great value. She gave the shopkeeper twenty-one dollars and she hurried home with the eighty-seven cents that was left. When Della arrived home she began to repair what was left of her hair. The hair had been ruined by her love and her desire to give a special gift. Repairing the damage was a very big job. Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny round curls of hair that made her look wonderfully like a schoolboy. She looked at herself in the glass mirror long and carefully. "If Jim does not kill me before he takes a second look at me," she said to herself, "he'll say I look like a song girl. But what could I do--oh! what could I do with a dollar and eighty-seven cents?" At seven o'clock that night the coffee was made and the pan on the back of the stove was hot and ready to cook the meat. Jim was never late coming home from work. Della held the silver chain in her hand and sat near the door. Then she heard his step and she turned white for just a minute. She had a way of saying a little silent prayer about the simplest everyday things, and now she whispered: "Please God, make him think I am still pretty." The door opened and Jim stepped in. He looked thin and very serious. Poor man, he was only twenty-two and he had to care for a wife. He needed a new coat and gloves to keep his hands warm. Jim stopped inside the door, as immovable as a dog smelling a bird. His eyes were fixed upon Della. There was an expression in them that she could not read, and it frightened her. It was not anger, nor surprise, nor fear, nor any of the feelings that she had been prepared for. He simply looked at her with a strange expression on his face. Della went to him. "Jim, my love," she cried, "do not look at me that way. I had my hair cut and sold because I could not have lived through Christmas without giving you a gift. My hair will grow out again. I just had to do it. My hair grows very fast. Say 'Merry Christmas!' Jim, and let us be happy. You do not know what a nice-- what a beautiful, nice gift I have for you." "You have cut off your hair?" asked Jim, slowly, as if he had not accepted the information even after his mind worked very hard. "Cut it off and sold it," said Della. "Do you not like me just as well? I am the same person without my hair, right? Jim looked about the room as if he were looking for something. "You say your hair is gone?" he asked. "You need not look for it," said Della. "It is sold, I tell you--sold and gone, too. It is Christmas Eve, boy. Be good to me, for it was cut for you. Maybe the hairs of my head were numbered," she went on with sudden serious sweetness, "but nobody could ever count my love for you. Shall I put the meat on, Jim?" Jim seemed to awaken quickly and put his arms around Della. Then he took a package from his coat and threw it on the table. "Do not make any mistake about me, Dell," he said. "I do not think there is any haircut that could make me like my girl any less. But if you will open that package you may see why you had me frightened at first." White fingers quickly tore at the string and paper. There was a scream of joy; and then, alas! a change to tears and cries, requiring the man of the house to use all his skill to calm his wife. For there were the combs -- the special set of objects to hold her hair that Della had wanted ever since she saw them in a shop window. Beautiful combs, made of shells, with jewels at the edge --just the color to wear in the beautiful hair that was no longer hers. They cost a lot of money, she knew, and her heart had wanted them without ever hoping to have them. And now, the beautiful combs were hers, but the hair that should have touched them was gone. But she held the combs to herself, and soon she was able to look up with a smile and say, "My hair grows so fast, Jim!" Then Della jumped up like a little burned cat and cried, "Oh, oh!" Jim had not yet seen his beautiful gift. She happily held it out to him in her open hands. The silver chain seemed so bright. "Isn't it wonderful, Jim? I looked all over town to find it. You will have to look at the time a hundred times a day now. Give me your watch. I want to see how it looks on it." Instead of obeying, Jim fell on the couch and put his hands under the back of his head and smiled. "Dell," said he, "let us put our Christmas gifts away and keep them a while. They are too nice to use just right now. I sold my gold watch to get the money to buy the set of combs for your hair. And now, why not put the meat on." The magi were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus. They invented the art of giving Christmas gifts. Being wise, their gifts were wise ones. And here I have told you the story of two young people who most unwisely gave for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days, let it be said that of all who give gifts, these two were the wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi. Karen Leggett wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Your storyteller was Shep O'Neal. The producer was Lawan Davis. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   negotiate - v. to discuss something formally in order to make an agreement immovable - adj. not able to be moved : firmly fixed in place expression - n.  the way someone's face looks that shows emotions and feelings magi - n. the wise men, generally assumed to be three in number, who paid homage to the infant Jesus. Matt. 2:1–12. Now it's your turn. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page about a very special gift you received.

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Afghan Journalists: Voice of Former Co-Worker on IS Radio

Sultan Aziz Ezam worked at radio stations in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province for nearly 10 years. Now, the broadcaster is reportedly the voice of the Islamic State’s new “caliphate radio.” VOA could not confirm the identity of the Islamic State radio announcer. However, local media workers recognize the voice as Ezam’s. Ezam’s former coworkers said he used to report on land issues for radio stations in the area. Now, they say he is issuing death threats from the Islamic State. Some of those threats target his former coworkers. The announcer said on IS radio, “I know the addresses of houses of all those journalists who are working with different media organizations.” Afghan journalists said they are worried about the threats. About 50 reporters work for local and international news organizations in Nangarhar province. Afghan journalists told VOA that Ezam and his brother recently left their jobs at a local radio station. They said no one had heard from Ezam until they heard his voice on Islamic State broadcasts.  Afghan government officials said they are aware of the threats against journalists. The officials also said the Islamic State radio station has not been taken off the air because of technical reasons. FM radio broadcasts by IS started recently along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The two-hour broadcast includes Quran readings and anti-government propaganda. Both the Afghan and Pakistani governments say they are looking for the broadcasters. They believe the signal is coming from a mobile transmitter in the mountains. I’m Christoper Jones-Cruise.   Noor Zahid wrote this story for VOAnews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. What did you think about the rise of Islamic State radio? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   caliphate – n. a form of Islamic government led by a caliph—a person considered a political and religious successor to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad journalist – n.  a person who collects, writes and edits news stories for newspapers, magazines, television or radio mobile – adj. able to be moved transmitter – n.  a device that sends out radio or television signals

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Alibaba Buys South China Morning Post

E-commerce giant Alibaba Group announced last week that it is buying the South China Morning Post, SCMP. It is the leading English-language newspaper in Hong Kong. Joe Tsai is executive vice chairman of Alibaba Group. He said in a letter to SCMP readers that Alibaba wants the newspaper to offer “accurate and fair” reporting that will improve global understanding of China. The company said this will help Alibaba’s investors. Alibaba believes that “negative reports about China in the Western news media are hurting the company’s shares,” which are listed in the U.S., reported the New York Times. The New York Times said that Alibaba has agreed to pay about $266 million to acquire the South China Morning Post. This is a “small outlay” for Alibaba, which has annual revenue of $12 billion, according to the Times. The purchase follows other media deals by Alibaba, reported Reuters. In June, the company agreed to pay $194 million for a stake in the China Business News, a financial media firm. The South China Morning Post, which is 112 years old, had been struggling financially. SCMP, its owner, was criticized for “shaping its coverage of China with a more positive stance than other outlets,” according to TechCrunch. The New York Times described the SCMP as “a frayed institution with a depleted newsroom” and a declining readership. Alibaba plans to make all the articles free on SCMP’s website. China’s ruling Communist party has tight control over Internet use in the country. It blocks material that it considers obscene or subversive. Party censors under Chinese President Xi Jinping have been increasingly intolerant of critical reports in the domestic news media, reported the New York Times.    U.S. newspapers under new ownership Some analysts compared Alibaba’s purchase of SCMP to Amazon’s acquisition of the Washington Post in 2013. The Washington Post is one of the most famous newspapers in the United States. Jeff Bezos, who founded Amazon.com, paid $250 million for the newspaper, reported the Wall Street Journal. The deal showed “the newspaper industry’s economic decline and the shift of power from old media to Silicon Valley,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Last week, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the largest newspaper in Nevada, was sold for $140 million. Billionaire Sheldon Adelson, who owns casinos and is a major donor to the Republican party, bought the paper. The Review-Journal has a conservative slant that “aligns with Republicans far more often than Democrats,” reported the Washington Post. The paper also has “outsize political influence” in Nevada, according to the New York Daily News.   I’m Mary Gotschall.   Mary Gotschall adapted this story for Learning English from a variety of sources. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you have an opinion about this topic? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   newspaper – n. a set of large sheets of paper that have news stories, information about local events, advertisements, etc., and that are folded together and sold every day or every week accurate – adj.  free from mistakes or errors negative – adj. harmful or bad : not wanted outlay – n. an amount of money that is spent stance – n. a publicly stated opinion — usually singular frayed – v. to cause (a cloth or other material) to become worn down at the end or edge : to separate the threads of (a material) depleted – v.  to use most or all of (something important) : to greatly reduce the amount of (something) obscene – adj. very offensive in usually a shocking way subversive – adj. secretly trying to ruin or destroy a government, political system, etc. intolerant – adj.  not willing to allow some people to have equality, freedom, or other social rights outsize – adj. very large in size      

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Hold The Butter! Modern Diets Meet Holiday Traditions

Rich, heavy food is a major part of the end of the year holidays in the United States. People in the US celebrate Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of November. People around the world celebrate Christmas on December 25. Both holidays involve traditions of cooking large meals. The food at these meals usually has lots of sugar, salt and butter in it. Turkey and pie are some of the most common foods at these holidays. Terri Price has hosted a holiday party on the last Saturday before every Christmas for 30 years. "It started when my children were very, very small. In fact, there was only one of them. And it's sort of my Christmas gift to me. Many of the dishes I have been preparing for most of the 30 years." But over time, some traditions do change. The Neveldines are a family who hope to be healthier by changing what they eat. Mick Fury, the Neveldine's oldest child, said this change is important during the holidays and the rest of the year, too. "The holidays are actually, sort of, the most exciting time because it's a chance to see if we can achieve traditional dishes in a way that is organic and healthy and fun. And maybe, we don't tell people. Like, 'Hey! Here's turkey dinner!' But then, it turns out, if they love it we tell them, 'It's organic. It's great.'" Mick and his girlfriend, Michelle, try to eat only organic food. Organic food is any plant or animal food product made without the use of unnatural chemicals or processes. The United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, is the part of the U.S. government that creates laws about food. The USDA began identifying which foods are organic in 2002.   Mick chose to eat only organic food after his girlfriend found she felt sick when eating gluten. Gluten is in products which include wheat. Mick began looking more closely at the ingredients in the food he bought. The amount of unnatural ingredients in most food surprised him. But, Mick is not the only Neveldine who changed their diet. Felicia Neveldine, Mick's sister, decided nine years ago to become a vegan. A vegan is a person who does not eat or use animal products of any kind. Felicia became a vegan because of her concern for the treatment of animals and the environmental effects of animal farming. She said that her change in diet also improved her health. "I used to have a lot of problems with my stomach and digestion and since I became a vegan, I feel just better every day." Choosing these special diets means the Neveldines choose their foods carefully. Mick grows a garden behind his home where he gets fresh vegetables. They also make traditional holiday food like mashed potatoes without milk or butter. This may seem like a completely new method for traditional cooking. But, Mick does not agree. He says agricultural companies began using chemicals because organic farming costs more money. "For a long time they used great food and they used great products. I hope, 20 or 30 years from now, the tradition is exactly the same, it's just done with better quality stuff." Ruth Kava is the Senior Nutrition Fellow at the American Council on Science and Health, or ACSH. The ACSH is an organization that studies issues involving food and health. Kava said that being vegetarian is also not new. "Vegetarianism has been around for probably centuries. And the thing about a vegetarian diet is that it can be lower in calories." Studies show that high calorie diets can cause people to become overweight. The Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, is the top national public health organization in the U.S. A 2014 report from the CDC showed 69 percent of adults in the U.S. over 20 years old are overweight. Being overweight can lead to health problems like heart disease and cancer. But, Kava does not think modern beliefs about different diets are correct. "These diets are getting a lot of press now. And so people think that maybe they're healthier or better for you, which is not necessarily the case. A balanced diet where things are eaten in moderation is probably the best way to go." She also said that the current system for identifying organic food is not what it should be. "I think that the organic program that the USDA runs was really set up as a way to market foods and it has nothing to do with health." Faunalytics is an organization that collects research to help protect animals. A 2014 Faunalytics report said that only 2 percent of people over the age of 17 in the U.S. are vegetarian or vegan. But Google reported that people searched the word "vegan" more than ever before in 2015. Felicia thinks the more people learn, the more popular these special diets will become. "At first I would make my own things and bring my own things to holidays. But, now as other people are becoming more educated and know what it means, people really go out of their way to make sure that there's always something that I can eat" Holiday traditions may not change, but the way these traditions happen just might. I'm Pete Musto.   Pete Musto reported and wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Now it's your turn. Is being vegetarian or vegan becoming popular in your country? Will modern diets change holiday traditions? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   rich – adj. tasting good and making your stomach feel full turkey – n. a large American bird that is related to the chicken and that people hunt or raised for its meat pie – n. a food that consists of a pastry crust that is filled with fruit or meat dish(es) – n. food that is prepared in a particular way achieve – v. to get or reach something by working hard girlfriend – n. a woman that someone is having a romantic or sexual relationship with gluten – n. a substance in wheat and flour that holds dough together ingredient(s) – n. one of the things that are used to make a food or product digestion – n. the process by which food is changed to a simpler form after it is eaten mashed potatoes – n. a dish of potatoes that have been cooked and pressed, usually prepared with milk and butter stuff – n. used to refer to something when you do not need to name exactly what it is vegetarian – n. a person who does not eat meat calorie(s) – n. a unit of heat used to shows the amount of energy that foods will produce in the human body overweight – adj. weighing more than the normal or expected amount in moderation – n. in a way that is reasonable and not excessive

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Hold the Butter! Modern Diets Meet Holiday Traditions

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English @ the Movies: 'Clean Slate'

Today's English @ the Movies phrase comes from cartoon movie "The Peanuts Movie." Poor Charlie Brown, he is the child who is always getting doing things the wrong way. Here he is talking about a "clean slate." Listen to find out what it means.

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Man Is Rescued from China's Deadly Landslide

  A 21-year-old man was pulled out alive Wednesday from the big landslide in southern China. Tian Zeming had been buried in piles of debris for 67 hours, said Chinese officials. It took rescuers three hours to reach him. Tian was weak and dehydrated when rescue workers found him, Chinese officials said. He told them his name and reported that another person was buried near him, Associated Press reported. But medical staff and rescue workers said the second person did not survive. Chinese officials said more than 70 people are missing after Sunday’s landslide in Shenzhen. The landslide buried buildings under mud and construction debris. The BBC reported that at least four bodies had been recovered by Wednesday afternoon. Chinese officials said 5,000 rescuers were working to find the missing people. Doctors said that Tian, a migrant worker from Chongqing, suffered many broken bones and other injuries. They said his condition improved after three-hours of surgery. The landslide occurred when a man-made mountain of earth and construction waste collapsed following heavy rains. The Chinese government said it is investigating the disaster. Government controlled news media reported the District Government near the landslide site had reported safety concerns months before Sunday’s disaster. I'm Mario Ritter.   Joyce Huang reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pile – n. a group of things that are put one on top of another debris – n. the pieces that are left after something has been destroyed rescuer – n. someone who tries to rescue people from a disaster or other bad situation. migrant – n. a person who goes from one place to another especially to find work collapse – v. to break apart and fall down suddenly We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page.

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